Last week, Paul closed out our section with the statement: “Therefore, He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.” As a result of that statement, Paul anticipates two objections which can be summarized as: “If this is true, then how could God hold anybody accountable since He is the One who makes the ultimate decision as to who gets mercy?” The answer, which is given in seven responses over the next ten verses, is that God has the right to choose “how” and “by what means” He will advance His plans as long as they do not violate His promises or His character.